In the supermarket, when changing the wardrobe, when buying a TV... That a business forces you to show your ID to process a card payment leads to wondering if it is legal or not. It is not something as common as in the past, but in some cases it is maintained and generates doubts.
The Bank of Spain recognizes that "there are no laws that establish its obligation", which leaves the request in the hands of each business, as reported on its banking client portal. "It is more about the decision of each commercial establishment, to avoid fraud and that purchases are produced by people who were not the legitimate holder of that card," it is exposed.
In the past it was more common that when making purchases, especially when exceeding certain amounts, identification was required. "The custom of requesting the DNI comes from the time when the cards did not have the security technology that they do incorporate now." Those were times when you were asked to sign the receipt that the dataphone printed.
Now almost all the cards on the market have a chip and PIN, which provides more security, and contactless technology, which does not require a code and allows for faster and more efficient transactions.
In addition, digital alerts, either on the phone or in the bank's application, allow you to be aware of unexpected or suspicious expenses.
Thus, "the practice is virtually extinct." If the DNI is requested to prove the identity, rather than seeing it as something cumbersome, it must be taken into account that "it only increases the security of the operation," says the Bank of Spain.
In case of not having the DNI, either due to theft, loss or for another reason, you can use your driver's license or passport without the establishment being able to refuse.
